In Japanese folklore the Yobuko (呼子, Calling child) is a yōkai (a supernatural monster) thought to reside in the San'in region and the city of Tottori. It was believed to be the cause of echoing.

Mythology

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The Yobuko was thought to live in the mountains, and whenever a traveler entered the mountains and raised their voice, it would mimic them and call back.

In the artwork of Shigeru Mizuki, the Yobuko is depicted as a young boy with one leg, a large face, and wearing a straw rain hat. In the Oki Islands he was called Yobukodori (呼子鳥, Calling child bird) and was said to be a bird.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ 柳田國男 (1977). 妖怪談義. 講談社学術文庫. 講談社. pp. 201頁. ISBN 978-4-06-158135-7.